Acquisitions Editor or Senior Editor

🔍 Redwood City, California, United States

📁: Communications

📅   : Aug 28, 2024 Post Date

📅   : 104420 Requisition #

Please include both a resume and cover letter with your application for this position.

Position Summary:

Stanford University Press seeks an energetic, experienced publishing professional to acquire scholarly and trade books in history. Reporting to the Editor-in-Chief, this individual will play a key role in developing existing and new publishing areas, including in modern European, British, and world history, colonial and modern Latin American history, American West and transnational US histories, and Jewish history and culture.

Founded in 1892, Stanford University Press publishes 140 books a year across the humanities, social sciences, and business. Stanford University Press is located in Redwood City, CA. We have strong preference for the editor to be local to the Stanford campus, and we support a hybrid workweek. Relocation assistance is available.

In this role, you will*:

Acquire and develop 25 books per year: solicit and evaluate book proposals and manuscripts, work with series editors, manage peer review process, negotiate contracts with authors or agents
Develop and implement list area publishing strategies; develop and expand network of scholars, authors, reviewers, and agents
Evaluate editorial and commercial viability of book projects, prepare P&Ls, present publishing plans to the editorial board
Conduct market research and collaborate with sales and marketing staff to identify appropriate readerships and markets for general list area and individual books
Ensure that manuscripts are of high quality and well prepared, transmit books into production, collaborate with production staff to set priorities and communicate production and design needs
Supervise the work of an editorial assistant
Travel to academic conferences and university campuses

*Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience

Preferred Experience

Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of experience as an acquisitions editor. For the Senior Editor position, at least five years of relevant experience in editorial acquisitions
Proven track record in acquiring scholarly and trade titles
Proven acquisitions and network of authors in the subject areas
Demonstrated experience setting editorial strategy and building list areas

Title and salary will be commensurate with experience.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills.
Capacity to synthesize materials and communicate information in a manner easily understood.
Experience with managing projects to specifications and to meet expected deadlines.
Ability to perform detailed work with high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Knowledge of academic research and publishing standards, including the peer review process
Knowledge of contracts and copyright
Knowledge and understanding of financial models, publishing markets, and industry standards for editorial acquisitions
Demonstrated entrepreneurial skills to identify, develop, and evaluate publishing areas and book concepts
Excellent written communication and conceptual editing skills.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Demonstrated interpersonal skills in working with a variety of people. Strong negotiation skills.

Physical Requirements:

Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, speaking.
Occasionally grasp forcefully, writing by hand.
Rarely sort/file paperwork.

Why Stanford Is For You:

Imagine a world without search engines or social platforms. Consider lives saved through first-ever organ transplants and research to cure illnesses. Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.
A caring culture. We provide excellent retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.
A healthier you. Climb our rock wall, swim in our Olympic-sized pool, or choose from hundreds of health and fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide highly competitive health care benefits.
Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails and museums.
Enviable resources. Enjoy free commute programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The expected pay range for this position is $84,000 to $100,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

How To Apply:

We invite you to apply for the position by clicking on the “Apply for Job” button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and a resume with your online application. The cover letter should briefly describe why you believe you are a good fit for this position.

Additional Information